Dialogue Writing | English Grammar for Class 6 PDF Download

What is Dialogue Writing?

• If you want to write a story, dialogues are very important. 
•  Writing a good dialogue has certain rules to follow because poor dialogue can change the meaning of the story and affect the overall narrative. 
•  Dialogue is simply a conversation between two or more people. 
•  In fiction, it refers to the spoken exchanges between characters, while a conversation with oneself is called a monologue. 
•  If the dialogue is not well-written, the reader may lose interest and stop reading the book. 
•  Without effective dialogues, the entire plot can fall apart. 
•  Therefore, crafting dialogue that engages the reader and makes them want to be part of the story is essential. 
•  We will help you learn how to write impactful dialogue by following the correct guidelines. 

The Purpose of Dialogue Writing

• Dialogue is important in stories, plays, and films because it helps to convey the characters' thoughts and feelings. 
•  Including dialogue can be more effective than just telling the story through a narrator. 
•  When a narrator or a character shares the story from their perspective, it adds a personal touch. 
•  Using dialogue along with actions makes it easier for the audience to understand the characters. 
•  Dialogue shows the personalities of characters and gives them their own unique voices. 
•  It reveals what characters are feeling and thinking, which helps the audience connect with them. 
•  Writing dialogue allows for creativity, including breaking some grammar rules. 
•  For example, writers can stretch words, use capital letters, or add extra punctuation to express emotions, like saying: YESSSS!!
•  Another key part of writing dialogue is adding stage directions. 
•  Stage directions are brief notes in brackets that describe what a character is doing while they speak, such as: Dan (rubbing his eyes): I am still tired.

Types of Dialogue 

• Inner Dialogue: Inner dialogue refers to a character's private thoughts that are not spoken aloud. These are the thoughts a character has while another character is speaking or when reflecting on a situation. Inner dialogue is not enclosed in quotation marks. 
• Outer Dialogue: Outer dialogue includes the words spoken aloud by characters. It encompasses everything characters say to each other during their conversation, and it is placed within quotation marks. 

Basic Rules for Discussion All Writers should Follow

• Each speaker gets a new category: Whenever a new person speaks, it should be indicated by a new category. This applies even if the character says just one word.
• Indentation for categories: Every category should have an indent, except at the beginning of a chapter or after a break, where the first line, including the dialogue, does not have an indent.
• Punctuation within quotes: If punctuation is part of what is being spoken, it should be included within the quotation marks to convey how the dialogue is spoken.
• Long sentences with multiple paragraphs: When a character speaks for a long time with different categories, the end quotation marks can be omitted, but the next paragraph should start with quotation marks.
• Singular quotes for quoting another speaker: If a character quotes another speaker, such as in the example, single quotes should be used.
• Focus on important information: Skip small talk and get to the point unless the small talk contributes to character development.

Format of Dialogue Writing

• New Paragraph for Every Speaker: Every speaker gets a new paragraph. Each time a speaker says something, you have to put in a fresh paragraph, even if it is just one word. 
• Punctuations Come under Quotation Marks: All the punctuations used with dialogue must be put under the quotes. 
• Remove End Quote if the Paragraph is Long: If the paragraph of dialogue is too long and you need to change the paragraph, then there is no need to put end quotes. 
• Dialogue Tags: Dialogue tags i.e. He says/she says are always written outside the dialogue and is separated by a comma. When dialogue ends in a question or exclamation mark, tags that follow start in lower case. For eg- He says, “We should start our own business.” 
• Use Single Quotation Mark to Quote Something with a Dialogue: If you have to quote something within a dialogue we should put single quotes as double quotes are already enclosing the main dialogue. For eg- Bill shouted, “ ‘boo!’ you lost the game. 
• The Dialogue Ends with an Ellipsis: If the Dialogue ends with an ellipsis, we should not add a comma or any other punctuation. For eg- She stared at the sunset. “I guess you’ll go back to doing what you do and I will…” her voice drifted off.

Punctuation in Dialogue 

Punctuation is crucial for ensuring that dialogue is clear and easy to understand. Here’s a guide on how to punctuate dialogue correctly: 

• Character’s Name: Always use a colon after a character’s name to indicate they are speaking. Sometimes, a hyphen can be used instead of a colon. For example: 
  (i) John: “Let’s start the meeting.” 
  (ii) John - “Let’s start the meeting.” 
• Capital Letters: Always begin a character’s name with a capital letter as it is a proper noun. This rule applies even to titles like "villager" or "student 1." 
• Quotation Marks: Enclose dialogue within double quotation marks. 
• Quotes within Quotes: When a character is quoting someone else, use single quotation marks for the inner quote. For example: “Don’t you think Rakesh saying ‘I will take the lead’ has some hidden agenda?” 
• Punctuation Marks: Place punctuation marks such as question marks or exclamation points inside the quotation marks. For instance: “Are you coming?” she asked. 
• Dialogue Tags: Use tags like ‘he said’ to indicate who is speaking. Place the tag inside the dialogue with a comma before it. For example: “Do you know,” he asked, “who the new manager is?” 
• Tag Placement: If the dialogue tag is at the beginning, start it with a capital letter, followed by a comma, and then use double quotation marks for the dialogue, beginning with a capital letter. For example: Josh mumbled, “Nobody understands the main problem here.” 
• Ending with Tags: If the dialogue tag is at the end, place the quotation marks first, followed by the tag, which should not be capitalized. For example: “Are you coming with us?” Sarah asked. 
• Interruptions: Use a dash to indicate an interruption in dialogue. For example: “I was wondering—” 
• Actions in Dialogue: You can include actions or body language between lines of dialogue. For example: “I am not interested,” she shrugged. “But, I will do it just for you.”

Points to Remember while Writing Dialogue:

• Read the Context: Students should read the preceding and following dialogues to maintain continuity.
• Understand the Topic:. clear understanding of the topic is essential to make relevant points.
• Use Accurate Tenses: Tenses should be used accurately according to the dialogue's context.
• Natural Conversation Flow: The dialogue should sound like a natural conversation.
• Clear and Specific Words: Words used should be clear and specific to convey the message effectively.

Dialogue Writing Examples 

Here are some examples from famous stories, plays, movies, and TV shows that showcase effective dialogue writing:

Example 1:

From "Romeo and Juliet" by William Shakespeare:

Juliet’s dialogue reflects her deep emotional conflict about Romeo’s identity and the barriers posed by their family names. The use of poetic language underscores the intensity of Juliet’s feelings and the dramatic nature of their love.

Example 2:

From "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" by Arthur Conan Doyle:

Sherlock Holmes’s dialogue emphasizes his logical approach to solving mysteries and his ability to deduce answers from small details. The phrase “Elementary, my dear Watson” showcases Holmes’s confidence and the simplicity with which he views his deductive process.

Example 3:

From "Anne of Green Gables" by L.M. Montgomery:

Anne’s enthusiastic dialogue reveals her imaginative and hopeful personality, highlighting her excitement about sharing experiences. The dialogue captures Anne’s ability to find joy and beauty in everyday situations, reflecting her vibrant character.

Example 4:

From "The Diary of Anne Frank" by Anne Frank:

Anne’s diary entry reveals her resilience and determination to focus on positive aspects despite the dire circumstances of hiding. The dialogue underscores Anne’s inner strength and hope, demonstrating her desire to hold onto optimism in challenging times.

Example 5:

From "Macbeth" by William Shakespeare:

 Lady Macbeth’s dialogue reveals her guilt and mental turmoil following the murder of King Duncan, showcasing her inner conflict. The use of exclamatory and repetitive language highlights her desperation and the psychological consequences of her actions. 

 Examples from Well-known Movies and TV Shows 

 Example 1:

From "The Godfather" (1972):

Vito Corleone: “I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse.” This line highlights Vito Corleone’s power and the ominous nature of his influence.

Example 2:

From "Casablanca" (1942):

Rick Blaine: “Here’s looking at you, kid.” This simple but poignant line reflects Rick’s affection and the bittersweet farewell in the film.

Example 3:

From "Friends" (TV Show):

Ross Geller: “We were on a break!” This catchphrase encapsulates Ross’s perspective on a key plot point, leading to ongoing comedic conflict throughout the series.

Example 4:

From "Breaking Bad" (TV Show):

Walter White: “I am not in danger, Skyler. I am the danger. A guy opens his door and gets shot, and you think that of me? No. I am the one who knocks!” This line illustrates Walter White’s transformation into a formidable figure and his assertion of power.

Example 5:

From "The Shawshank Redemption" (1994):

Andy Dufresne: “Get busy living, or get busy dying.” This dialogue reflects Andy’s philosophy and determination to make the most of his life despite his imprisonment.

Example for Short Dialogue Writing in English

Situation: Two colleagues, Alex and Jamie, discuss their lunch plans at work:

Alex: “Hey Jamie, what’s your plan for lunch today?”

Jamie: “I was thinking of getting a sandwich from the deli. How about you?”

Alex: “I’m in the mood for some pizza. Want to join me?”

Jamie: “Sure! There’s a new pizza place around the corner. Let’s try it out.”

Alex: “Sounds good! Let’s meet in the lobby at noon.”

Jamie: “Perfect. See you then!”

Tips to Write Dialogue

• Speak Aloud: Read the dialogue out loud to gauge its impact and how it resonates with the reader.
• Keep it Brief: Ensure that the dialogue is concise and to the point. Avoid unnecessary details that might distract from the main message.
• Unique Voice: Give each character a distinct way of speaking. This adds depth to their personality and helps readers identify them easily.
• Know Your Audience: Be mindful of whom the dialogue is addressing. This helps in maintaining the context and relevance.
• Avoid Lengthy Dialogues: Keep the dialogue straightforward. It should drive the story forward without confusing the readers.

Dialogue Writing Format

• New Paragraph for Every Speaker: Start a new paragraph for each speaker. Even if a speaker says only one word, it should be in a new paragraph.
• Punctuations Inside Quotation Marks: Place all punctuation marks inside the quotation marks.
• Remove End Quote for Long Paragraphs: If a dialogue paragraph is lengthy and requires a break, you can omit the end quotation marks.
• Dialogue Tags: Tags like "He says" or "She says" should be placed outside the dialogue and separated by a comma. If the dialogue ends with a question or exclamation mark, the tag should start with a lowercase letter.
• Use Single Quotation Marks for Quotes within Dialogue: When quoting something within a dialogue, use single quotation marks. For example, "Bill shouted, 'boo!' you lost the game."
• Dialogue Ending with Ellipsis: If a dialogue ends with an ellipsis, do not add a comma or any other punctuation mark. For example, "I guess you’ll go back to doing what you do and I will…" her voice drifted off.

Solved Example

Write a Dialogue between You and Your Teacher about which Course to Study at Vacations.

Student: Good morning, Sir! How are you today? 
Teacher: I'm doing well, thank you. How about you? 
Student: I'm fine too. I wanted to ask for your advice on which course I should take during my vacation. 
Teacher: With so many options available, it can be overwhelming. Have you tried making a list to narrow it down? 
Student: Yes, but I'm still stuck with three options: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Data Science. 
Teacher: All three are excellent choices. However, if I recall correctly, you have always shown a keen interest in Artificial Intelligence. 
Student: You're right! I find it fascinating because I believe it's the future. 
Teacher: Absolutely! Pursuing it now wouldn't hurt, and you can always switch to another course later if you find it less interesting. 
Student: That sounds like a great plan. Thank you for your guidance!